Posted 15 February 2012 - 11:56 AM

Playing other MLS teams in the preseason is incredibly lame. Doing so for a "Cup" even worse.

And who exactly are we supposed to play in the middle of February/March? Every other league is already in full swing and arent going to stop to play us halfway across the world. But the fact is we actually just played Mexican sides in a series of friendlies. Look these are glorified practices here nothing more nothing less.

The fact they play for a cup is the promoters doing.Not only does it give a little incentive to the teams playing, its also a nice boost of morale to the team. Nothing like winning a "REAL" cup but hey maybe theyll feel like they are making some progress in their training.

Another thing you fail to realize is that the preseason tourneys are put on by promoters(in this case a local club) who are looking to make money and give the series of friendlies a bit of hype.

Posted 15 February 2012 - 12:19 PM

GMoney

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Supports:New York Red Bulls

And who exactly are we supposed to play in the middle of February/March? Every other league is already in full swing and arent going to stop to play us halfway across the world. But the fact is we actually just played Mexican sides in a series of friendlies. Look these are glorified practices here nothing more nothing less.

The fact they play for a cup is the promoters doing.Not only does it give a little incentive to the teams playing, its also a nice boost of morale to the team. Nothing like winning a "REAL" cup but hey maybe theyll feel like they are making some progress in their training.

Another thing you fail to realize is that the preseason tourneys are put on by promoters(in this case a local club) who are looking to make money and give the series of friendlies a bit of hype.

Stop making sense.

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Posted 16 February 2012 - 11:54 AM

hackmeister

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Supports:NY Red Bulls

This will be our first real chance to see the new guys in action. Hopefully our goal keeping situation gets settled. First minutes for Henry, Conde & Agudelo (even though he played 15 minutes vs Tecos).

Posted 16 February 2012 - 12:25 PM

iced1776

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This will be our first real chance to see the new guys in action. Hopefully our goal keeping situation gets settled. First minutes for Henry, Conde & Agudelo (even though he played 15 minutes vs Tecos).

Do we know Conde's status? Last we heard I believe was just that he was still recovering from an injury.

Posted 16 February 2012 - 12:42 PM

Do we know Conde's status? Last we heard I believe was just that he was still recovering from an injury.

Backe said the following about a week ago:Asked whether or not that timetable was an accurate one, Backe hedged at the notion. “He could be,” the Coach revealed. “I think we need to work fitness wise with Conde the next two weeks. I think it’s realistic to think he could play in Arizona, because we have five games. He’s working with our fitness coaches; it’s definitely realistic he could be ready for the opener.”

Posted 16 February 2012 - 12:54 PM

Oh good, so we're not even sure he'll be ready for the opener, let alone next week's pre season games.

From an Ives piece yesterday:

"NEWS AND NOTES

•Juan Agudelo saw his first minutes of the preseason Tuesday, entering the game in the 75th minute for guest player Jhonny Arteaga.•Teemu Tainio continues to be out with a soft calf sprain, though he is expected to see minutes in Arizona.•Wilman Conde is training with the Red Bull staff and is expected to see competitive minutes during the Desert Cup as well."